[dmcnickle]

I am starting a home-based business of making iMovie slideshows and poster/collages with Photoshop from photographs that I either take myself (with my 20D - to keep it on topic) or scan in. I have even had great success with taking photographs of photographs instead of scanning the photograph.
The slideshows will be put on DVD and the poster/collages either printed out or put on CD for the client to print out. My maximum size is 13x19.
My question is coming up with a reasonable amount to charge that won't scare away potential customers.
Does anyone have any ideas of either what to charge or where to go to get an idea of what to charge?
Thanks for the help.

[ManOfSteal]

On average, how long does such a project take to complete?

[dmcnickle]

When I have done sample iMovie slideshows and poster/collages of my photos, it can take anywhere from 2 to 5 hours depending on the number of photos.
I like to use either Still Life or Photo to Movie on some of the photos for the slideshow and use Photographic Edges on the photos for the poster/collages.
Maybe I should charge a basic charge for a certain number of photos and then add to that for additional photos.

[cpac]

this is totally variable.

Do you want to set an hourly rate?
Or do you want to charge flat fees for specific services?
Are there competitors around? (And how much do they charge?)
What costs are associated with each job (blank media? proportionate share of hardware & overhead?)
Will you get most business from advertising or from referrals?
Do you expect to get repeat customers?

&c.

[Macola]

As stated above, the answer can vary wildly. I've been running my own business for just over 4 years, and I typically charge on a project basis for well-edfined tasks (such as yours). The best way to come up with project totals, IMO, is to figure out hourly rate(s) for various activities (for example, admin/meeting time would be billed differently from creative) and use a project estimate spreadsheet.

The hourly rates, in turn, are based on how much you will need to make to survive. You have to factor in all expenses--health insurance, IRA contributions, materials, depreciation on equipment, whatever applies to your situation.

Starting a business is not hard. Keeping it afloat is (very), especially in this economy. Good luck with your new venture.